attempted

adjective

at·​tempt·​ed ə-ˈtem(p)-təd How to pronounce attempted (audio)
: having been tried without success
an attempted suicide
an attempted takeover
especially, law : characterized by an intent to commit and effort taken to commit a specified crime that fails or is prevented
an attempted robbery
was charged with attempted murder

Examples of attempted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The suspect was promptly arrested on Wednesday and charged with attempted premeditated murder, but the authorities have not named him publicly. Cassandra Vinograd, New York Times, 16 May 2024 The momentum to use Deliberative Polling in California dates to the attempted 2021 recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, which increased public concern about flaws in California’s direct democracy. Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attempted 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attempted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attempted was circa 1513

Dictionary Entries Near attempted

Cite this Entry

“Attempted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attempted. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Legal Definition

attempted

adjective
at·​tempt·​ed
: characterized by an intent to commit and effort taken to commit a specified crime that fails or is prevented
attempted forgery
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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